EU's green ambitions

It says the most cost-efficient way of moving to a low-carbon economy is by achieving a 40% cut in CO2 emissions by 2030 and a 25% cut by 2020, compared with 1990 emission levels.

The overall target is an 80% cut by 2050, based on the "greening" of industry, investment in energy-efficient electric cars and housing, renewable energy and modernised, "smart" electricity grids.

In a statement to the BBC the UK Department of Energy and Climate Change said the 25% cut would actually mean 30% "when you factor in international carbon credits/offsetting".

A department spokesman said "we strongly support the findings in the roadmap.

"It shows that the current target in 2020 is simply not cost-effective.

"The first step is that the ministers attending the [EU] Environment Council must reach conclusions on the roadmap. Poland previously blocked this in June 2011 but we remain hopeful that progress can be made.

"Moving to a higher target will bring other benefits such as reducing our dependence on imported energy, stimulating jobs and growth in green sectors, and delivering health benefits from reduced pollution."